The more than century-old home is situated at 181 Spring St., in the heart of the city.
It’s where the artist and his wife, Bernadette Kernaghan, chose to live after moving to Summerside from Vancouver almost two years ago.
“We are just proud of this house,” said Schwartz. “We love the neighbourhood and we are happy to be here. We are not even going to change the house.”
The couple, the fourth owners of the home, wants to see it designated as a heritage building, a request that doesn’t often goes before Summmerside City Council.
“We are going to keep up with the tradition of this house,” said Schwartz. “
Application to the city
The couple’s request to designate the home under the City Heritage Conservation Bylaw was before a special meeting of council Monday night.
“We want to keep the house, as much as possible, to the shape that its in,” Schwartz told council. “We love the house and we feel blessed to be there.”
If approved, the Spring Street home, known as the C.B. Jelly House, would be only one of 16 houses in Summerside with a heritage designation.
“This whole neighbourhood is heritage,” Schwartz said on Tuesday. “I am not sure why I even have to apply for a designation. It should all be by default, seriously.”
Neighbours notified
The city sent out 32 letters to 23 property owners within 60 metres of the property.
Maureen Rogers, who owns a nearby property at 216 Green St., was at the meeting.
“I want to commend you. You do love that property,” Rogers said to Schwartz. “As an adjacent property are there any restrictions we could have going forward?”
Thayne Jenkins, the city’s planning officer, said there could be issues if Rogers was to rezone her property or add onto her property, something that would be reviewed by the city when application for such work was made
Jenkins said, if approved, the heritage designation would remain on the home, even when sold to a new buyer. The only ways to remove the designation would be as a result of “an act of god” or to make an application to the city.
Education needed
George Dalton, past president of the Summerside and Area Historical Society, was at the meeting and said more homes should have the designation within the city, adding education on the process is needed.
Dalton believes an incentive, such as a tax break, would help those who want to invest the time and money into maintaining the integrity of older homes.
For Schwartz and Kernaghan, who immediately feel in love with the home while house hunting, the Spring Street property is their little piece of heaven.
“It was a beautiful choice. We love it here,” said Kernaghan. “It was ideal. Some of the heritage homes are huge. It has a nice little yard so I can put my garden in.
“It is just a nice place to retire.”
Decision soon
The issue will go before the Heritage Planning Board, who will meet on June 7 to review the application and make a recommendation to council.
Criteria for a heritage designation
— Relative age
— Historical symbolization
— Architectural style
— Remaining integrity